All About Computer Operators
Occupation Description Monitor and control electronic computer and peripheral electronic data processing equipment to process business, scientific, engineering, and other data according to operating instructions. Monitor and respond to operating and error messages. May enter commands at a computer terminal and set controls on computer and peripheral devices.
Daily Life Of a Computer Operator
- Help programmers and systems analysts test and debug new programs.
- Answer telephone calls to assist computer users encountering problems.
- Enter commands, using computer terminal, and activate controls on computer and peripheral equipment to integrate and operate equipment.
- Retrieve, separate, and sort program output as needed, and send data to specified users.
- Clear equipment at end of operating run and review schedule to determine next assignment.
- Record information such as computer operating time, problems that occurred, and actions taken.
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Computer Operator Skills
Computer Operators state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Types of Computer Operator Jobs
- Imaging Specialist
- Computer Technician
- Peripheral EDP Equipment Operator
- Digitizer Operator
- Information Technology Associate
Are There Job Opportunities for Computer Operators?
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 51,500 jobs in the United States for Computer Operator. There is little to no growth in job opportunities for Computer Operator. The BLS estimates 3,400 yearly job openings in this field.
The states with the most job growth for Computer Operator are Washington, Maryland, and Alaska. Watch out if you plan on working in Illinois, Ohio, or West Virginia. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
How Much Does a Computer Operator Make?
The salary for Computer Operators ranges between about $27,490 and $65,130 a year.
Computer Operators who work in District of Columbia, Alaska, or Washington, make the highest salaries.
How much do Computer Operators make in different U.S. states?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $40,660 |
| Alaska | $57,770 |
| Arizona | $49,810 |
| Arkansas | $35,300 |
| California | $52,480 |
| Colorado | $48,470 |
| Connecticut | $50,970 |
| Delaware | $45,450 |
| District of Columbia | $60,100 |
| Florida | $46,370 |
| Georgia | $43,710 |
| Hawaii | $47,400 |
| Idaho | $45,040 |
| Illinois | $48,260 |
| Indiana | $42,000 |
| Iowa | $43,380 |
| Kansas | $49,130 |
| Kentucky | $45,890 |
| Louisiana | $38,490 |
| Maine | $48,260 |
| Maryland | $47,250 |
| Massachusetts | $52,030 |
| Michigan | $44,990 |
| Minnesota | $51,970 |
| Mississippi | $39,410 |
| Missouri | $41,320 |
| Montana | $36,780 |
| Nebraska | $45,380 |
| Nevada | $47,900 |
| New Hampshire | $52,000 |
| New Jersey | $45,130 |
| New Mexico | $44,920 |
| New York | $48,280 |
| North Carolina | $44,530 |
| North Dakota | $48,050 |
| Ohio | $42,280 |
| Oklahoma | $39,670 |
| Oregon | $48,060 |
| Pennsylvania | $45,150 |
| Rhode Island | $50,680 |
| South Carolina | $42,620 |
| Tennessee | $43,700 |
| Texas | $47,480 |
| Utah | $44,020 |
| Vermont | $43,580 |
| Virginia | $49,830 |
| Washington | $52,470 |
| West Virginia | $34,270 |
| Wisconsin | $48,350 |
| Wyoming | $41,010 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Computer Operators
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Computer Operators may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Web browser software
- Python
- Microsoft Access
- Email software
- SAP
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Microsoft Visio
- Structured query language SQL
- Linux
- IBM Notes
- UNIX
- Practical extraction and reporting language Perl
- Microsoft Exchange Server
- IBM Power Systems software
How to Become a Computer Operator
What education or degrees do I need to become a Computer Operator?
What work experience do I need to become a Computer Operator?
Where Computer Operators Are Employed
The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.
Related Careers
Career changers with experience as a Computer Operator sometimes find work in one of the following fields:
References:
Image Credit: Kenneth Jensen via Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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